Chapter 17: The Champion's Fall
Fate's gaze locked onto the Goblin Champion.
The monster stood several meters away, its muscular frame tense, fingers tightening around the long spear in its grasp. Its yellow eyes glinted with hostility as it shifted its stance, feet digging into the ground.
Then—
The Goblin Champion moved.
Its body leaned forward as it activated a skill, its legs blurring with sudden speed.
Skill Activated: Quick Foot
Quick Foot
Rarity: Common
– Allows the user to drastically increase their footwork speed for a short duration.
The ground cracked beneath the goblin's feet as it charged straight toward Fate.
Fate didn't panic.
The moment the Goblin Champion entered his range, Fate exhaled slowly and raised his sword.
(Now.)
His skill activated.
Flowing Butterfly Sword
Fate's blade moved.
It wasn't a heavy swing—it was fluid, precise, like a wing cutting through air. The sword traced a graceful arc aimed directly at the Goblin Champion's torso.
But—
The Goblin Champion twisted its body at the last moment.
The strike failed to land cleanly.
However—
Slash.
Blood sprayed.
The blade had still bitten into the goblin's side.
The Goblin Champion staggered back with a furious snarl.
"Tsk… too shallow."
Fate clicked his tongue softly.
"I need to move as I planned."
He adjusted his stance, regaining balance as he turned his sword forward once more. The Goblin Champion didn't immediately rush in again. Instead, it circled him, spear lowered, muscles coiled like a beast preparing to pounce.
The goblin growled.
"Grrr…"
Then it charged again.
This time, Fate moved first.
He used Swift Wind Steps.
His feet slid across the ground as if carried by the wind itself. The Goblin Champion's spear missed him by inches as Fate slipped past its attack.
From the observation area—
Kara Westhallow narrowed her eyes.
"…Interesting."
A grin slowly formed on her lips.
"That's the same movement skill I use."
Her gaze followed Fate closely.
"It seems not all students here are boring after all."
The fight intensified.
Steel clashed against spear.
Neither Fate nor the Goblin Champion gave the other even a second to rest. Every attack was answered immediately, every opening sealed just as quickly.
Then—
Fate extended his free hand and used his skill Crystal Spikes.
Jagged crystals erupted from the ground beneath the Goblin Champion's feet.
"—!?"
The monster roared as sharp crystal formations wrapped around its legs, pinning it in place. It struggled violently, muscles bulging as it attempted to break free.
Fate didn't hesitate.
He charged while using Flowing Butterfly Sword
"Flowing Butterfly Sword!"
His blade aimed straight for the goblin's chest.
But—
The Goblin Champion's eyes burned with rage.
The Goblin Champion used it's skill Intimidation.
Intimidation
Rarity: Uncommon
– The user releases a piercing gaze.
– When affected, the designated target is inflicted with Fear.
– Fear Effect: The target is unable to move for 4 seconds.
Fate's body froze.
"…!"
His muscles locked against his will. A sharp pressure crushed his chest, fear flooding his senses.
(Damn it—!)
While Fate remained immobilized, the Goblin Champion forced itself free from the crystal restraints, shards shattering under raw strength.
By the time the Fear effect ended, both had separated once more.
The Goblin Champion didn't stop there.
It roared.
And used it's Berserk skill.
Berserk
Rarity: Rare
– Puts the user in a pain-free state.
– Greatly boosts all physical stats.
– Duration: 5 minutes.
– After-effect: Severe pain, exhaustion, and extreme fatigue once the skill ends.
Veins bulged across the goblin's body as its strength surged unnaturally.
Fate immediately backed away.
But—
The Goblin Champion bent its knees and used Leap Attack.
It launched into the air, spear aimed downward like a falling meteor.
Fate looked up.
"…Well shit."
The impact shook the ground.
Dust exploded outward, completely obscuring the battlefield.
From afar, the students held their breath.
Professor Sirius's right hand slowly rose.
A magic circle formed around his palm.
His eyes remained fixed on the dust-filled area.
"If he doesn't emerge unharmed…" Sirius muttered quietly,
"…I'll intervene."
Kyle clenched his fists.
Lisa and Isabelle stared without blinking.
Chloe holding his breath, worried.
The dust began to settle.
A shape appeared.
The Goblin Champion's spear had stopped mid-thrust.
Blocked.
When the dust fully cleared, Fate stood there—his left arm raised.
A dark purple shield covered his hand.
Fate activated his skill Gluttonous Aegis.
The shield shimmered ominously.
Though it failed to absorb energy—since the attack was purely physical—it still blocked the blow.
The Goblin Champion recoiled instinctively.
Fate lifted his gaze.
Their eyes met.
The goblin stepped back.
Fate smiled.
"Is that all you've got?"
He took a step forward.
"Then it's my turn."
Fate used his skill Swift Wind Steps.
Fate vanished from sight and reappeared before the Goblin Champion in an instant.
His sword struck with crushing force.
The Goblin Champion was sent flying—
Only to slam against something invisible.
It turned its head.
A wall.
Fate used his skill Barrier Creation earlier before the Goblin Champion was thrown away.
A three-star protective barrier surrounded the battlefield.
Fate approached calmly.
"Where are you going now, little guy?"
Fear flickered across the goblin's face.
It lunged desperately and used it's Spear Stab skill.
But—
Fate once again used Flowing Butterfly Sword.
Fate parried the spear cleanly.
The Goblin Champion lost its balance.
Fate didn't miss the opening.
Slash!
The blade cut deep into the goblin's chest.
The Goblin Champion collapsed.
Its body disintegrated into light particles.
System Notification
[You have received the item: Goblin Champion's Earring]
Goblin Champion's Earring
Rarity: Rare
– Increases Strength by +10
– Grants the skill Berserk
Fate picked it up and walked toward Professor Sirius.
"Here, Professor Sirius. It dropped from the Goblin Champion."
Professor Sirius shook his head.
"No. That is yours."
He met Fate's eyes.
"It is the spoil of your battle. Keep it."
Fate nodded and wore it.
Professor Sirius clapped his hands, commanding attention.
"That concludes today's lesson."
His voice was firm.
"Return to your classrooms and wait for your next instructor."
Later—
The changing rooms buzzed with chatter.
But Fate changed in silence.
He returned to the classroom first.
As he sat down, a voice echoed in his mind.
Fate stiffened.
"…?"
Isabelle noticed.
"Fate? Are you alright?"
"Ah… yeah. I thought I heard something."
Skill: Telepathy
Telepathy
Rarity: Rare
– Allows communication through thoughts.
– Maximum range: 1 kilometer.
(Who are you?)
(Who…?)
Fate turned toward her—
But the door opened.
A female professor entered.
Orange hair fading into yellow.
Brown eyes.
A monocle gleaming.
Chapter 17 End